Harvard University is probably the most prestigious university in the world, globally renowned for its excellence in a wide range of disciplines. In the 2024 QS Rankings, Harvard was recognized as the top university globally for:
- Arts and Humanities
- Life sciences and Medicine
- Natural Sciences
- Social Sciences & Management
Harvard’s main campus is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, just across the Charles River from Boston.
Harvard’s undergraduate program, known as Harvard College, spans over four years. Students are encouraged to explore a wide range of fields through the university’s core curriculum while specializing in a chosen concentration. Harvard places a strong emphasis on experiential learning, with opportunities for internships, research, and community engagement. It also fosters a global perspective through programs to study abroad and partnerships with institutions worldwide.
For Swedish students interested in studying at Harvard, applications are submitted through the Common Application and must typically provide:
- Academic transcripts
- Standardized test scores (SAT or ACT)
- A personal statement
- Supplemental essays fitting Harvard’s application requirements
- Letters of recommendation from teachers or counselors
- Résumé/CV highlighting extracurricular activities and achievements
Responses given by Harvard
In general, international applicants should follow the same procedures and timetables as candidates applying from schools located in the United States.
Applicants typically apply one year prior to the fall they would like to enroll. For example, in your case, you might apply by November 1, 2024 for Restrictive Early Action or by January 1, 2025 for Regular Decision. Both admissions cycles would be for September 2025 enrollment.
We encourage you to review our admissions website for details and information about the application process. View the full application timeline, including deadlines and decision dates, here. You can also learn about preparing for college and student and residential life online.
Please note that we do not offer pre-professional programs such as business, nursing, law, or medicine at the undergraduate level.
A list of fields of study for Harvard College can be found here: https://college.harvard.edu/academics/liberal-arts-sciences/concentrations
Applying for Admission
It is impossible to know which students will have a chance of admission until a complete application has been submitted and fully reviewed by the admissions committee. The only sure way to not have a chance of admission is to not apply. The admissions committee reviews every application fully and thoughtfully.
All the information you will need to apply to Harvard College may be found on our website. Please read through the following pages of our website via the links below. The application process is the same whether a student has attended high school inside or outside the United States.
- How to Apply to Harvard College: https://college.harvard.edu/admissions/application-process/application-requirements
- Application Timeline: https://college.harvard.edu/admissions/apply/application-timeline
- Application Requirements (including information regarding fee waivers): https://college.harvard.edu/admissions/application-requirements
- Application Tips: https://college.harvard.edu/guides/application-tips
- Fields of Study at Harvard College: http://college.harvard.edu/academics/fields-study/concentrations
- Frequently Asked Questions: https://college.harvard.edu/frequently-asked-questions
- International Applicants: https://college.harvard.edu/admissions/application-process/international-applicants
Testing Policy
Please see https://college.harvard.edu/admissions/apply/international-applicants for information on standardized testing, including alternate testing options. When registering for tests, use your name as it will appear on your Harvard application. Using a nickname may prevent your scores from matching the rest of your application in our database.
A strong knowledge of English is essential for successful study at Harvard, including the ability to understand and express thoughts quickly and clearly. Although you are not required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or other proficiency exams, you may submit your scores if you have done so.
Academic credentials or letters of recommendation may not be translated by the applicant. You do not need, however, to hire a professional translator. We are happy to receive letters translated by an English teacher, for example. All translations should include the name of the translator and his/her relationship to you. A copy of the original (untranslated) document should always accompany the translated version.
Financial Aid
Bringing promising students to Harvard is our main objective, and we believe your financial circumstances should never stand in the way. To that end, we’ve created a revolutionary financial aid program to make sure every admitted student can afford to attend Harvard. Our admissions process is need-blind for all, including international students, so financial need does not impact your acceptance to Harvard College. Harvard does not award merit-based or athletic scholarships. All scholarships are need-based.
For more information about our need-blind financial aid program, including the Harvard Financial Aid Initiative, please visit the financial aid section of our website. All students are encouraged to apply for financial aid, as this does not impact the admissions decision in any way. We are committed to meeting 100% of the demonstrated financial need for all four years.
The financial aid policies for foreign citizens are exactly the same as those for U.S. citizens. All aid is need-based, and admissions decisions are made without regard to whether or not an applicant needs financial assistance.
For more information on international admissions and financial aid, please visit https://college.harvard.edu/admissions/application-process/international-applicants.
Specific questions about applying for financial aid may be directed to faoweb@fas.harvard.edu.
Written by Axel Brunzell